Ex-Zamfara Governor Fires Back at Allegations of Aiding Banditry

In a heated interview with Channels Television, Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, has strongly denied allegations of aiding banditry levelled against him by the state’s current governor, Dauda Lawal. Lawal had called on Matawalle to resign in order to clear his name, alleging that the former governor had kept terrorists at the government house and paid ransom to them.

Matawalle, who was known for his pro-dialogue approach to dealing with bandits during his tenure, challenged Lawal and other politicians to take an oath on the Quran to prove their innocence. “I was the only governor to swear on the Holy Quran that I have no hand in banditry. I challenged all the politicians, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, to do the same. None of them could take the oath, and if they don’t take the oath, that means they are part of it,” he stated.

Matawalle also defended his decision to engage in dialogue with bandits, arguing that several governors had followed a similar approach, including those from Niger and Sokoto States. He asked Lawal and his supporters to bring any evidence they had of his involvement in banditry, suggesting that his accusers were simply jealous of his achievements.

In addition, Matawalle denied allegations that he had siphoned state funds, claiming that these were fabrications concocted by Lawal. “In my four years, I did not ever receive that money. The records are there, the indices are with the Ministry of Finance. It is on record, and let me tell you, I don’t understand; I pity Dauda (Zamfara Gov),” he said. “How can someone come and be telling lies, a whole governor coming to deceive the public?”

Matawalle’s sharp response is the latest salvo in a heated row between him and Lawal, with both men trading accusations over the past week. Lawal had initially accused Matawalle of stealing over ₦70 billion from the state government, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has so far failed to recover despite having evidence.

As the controversy rages on, one thing is clear: the crisis in Zamfara State remains complex and deeply ingrained, requiring a thoughtful and multifaceted approach to address. While political squabbles may fuel public divisions, it is essential to recognize that the true victims are the people of Zamfara State, who have suffered from the consequences of banditry and neglect for far too long.